Chapter 152 Billionaire's Lies

• Clara sat on her cot, her shoulders curved forward in what might have been exhaustion or deep thought. Her hair fell softly around her face as she gently rocked, humming to herself - perhaps finding comfort in the rhythm and melody that made sense to her, even if others couldn't follow its pattern. Her eyes moved across the room, taking in her surroundings in a way that suggested she was processing her environment, even if differently than others might. While the staff saw behaviors they needed to document, there was a person there - Clara - experiencing this moment in her own way.Inside, though, Clara was far from lost.
• She was calculating. Her plan was working out nicely. The staff, kind-hearted and wanting to aid her, were starting to accommodate her: let her walk outside for longer, take her in the recreation room, and conduct private therapy with her. All these concessions edged her closer to the freedom she wanted-and revenge she had envisioned. "Good morning, Clara," Nurse Elena said, entering the room with a warm smile. Clara looked up, her lips curling into an unhinged grin. "The birds," she whispered, her voice raspy and uneven. "They're singing secrets. Do you hear them? " Elena tilted her head, her expression soft with pity. "No, Clara, I don't hear them. But maybe you can tell me what they're saying? " Clara's grin faltered, replaced by a look of mock terror. She clutched her head and began muttering incoherently, rocking faster. "Okay, okay," Elena said gently, stepping closer. "It's all right. Let's take a deep breath, Clara. Remember, you're safe here." Clara peeked at Elena through her fingers, her body trembling. "Safe? " she said, her voice small. "Safe from the shadows? " "Yes, Clara," Elena reassured her. "Safe from everything." As the nurse left the room, Clara relaxed, her trembling vanishing instantly. She smirked to herself.
• Sinker, line, and hook. Later that day, Clara was seated across from the facility's chief psychiatrist, Dr. Patterson.